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Wax medallion of James Cook
c 1890
Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney, Australia
This is a wax portrait medallion of Captain James Cook in high relief and hand painted. Souvenirs including medallions were popular with 19th century society, keen to recognise the achievements of Captain Cook and his exploration of Australia's east coast in 1770. Cook's death in Hawaii in 1779 produced in an out-pouring of grief in Britain and Cook memorabilia became 'hot property' for collectors.
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Details
- Title: Wax medallion of James Cook
- Date: c 1890
- Type: Medallion
- Significance: Captain Cook is one of the most celebrated figures in maritime history and his tragic death resulted in the production of many prints, paintings, books and souvenirs. This wax medallion from the Victorian era represents Cook's continuing appeal and the manufacture of commemorative medallions, initially in silver and later from cheaper materials such as wax.
- See institution's online collections: http://www.anmm.gov.au/collections
- Medium: Wax, glass, wood, metal
- Dimensions: 167 x 158 x 20 x 158 mm, 0.15 kg
- Credit line: ANMM Collection
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